Roman Village Celebrates 45 Years Serving Dearborn
Dearborn has a rich history of stories about immigrant families who have come to our city and established small restaurants to feed the neighborhood and workers at Ford Motor Co.
The Rugiero family are one of those great success stories. And this year their restaurant, the Roman Village, marks its 45th anniversary in the south side of Dearborn at 9924 Dix, east of Miller Road.
Enrica Rugiero and her husband Antonio came to America in 1962 and two years later borrowed $2,000 to open a small pizzeria and Roman Village was born. Antonia recently passed away but Enrica and her son, Antonio Rugiero Jr., continue the tradition of serving some of the best Italian food in Metro Detroit.
Today the family has four restaurants — the original Roman Village Cucina Italiana plus Antonio’s Cucina Italianas in Dearborn Heights, Canton and Farmington Hills.
In this interview with Dearborn Councilwoman Nancy Hubbard, Enrica Rugiero and her son, Antonio Rugiero Jr., talk about the secrets of their success.
As part of their 45th anniversary celebration, the family through April 17 is offering patrons a meal for 45 cents when you purchase the first one at regular price. Throughout the remainder of the year, the restaurant will continue to offers specials as part of its anniversary. As Antonio Rugiero Jr. says, “my father always said that it is very important to give back to those who have been there to support you in the last 45 years.”
If you haven’t had a chance to visit Roman Village, we strongly recommend you do. It is one of those hidden gems in Dearborn. For more information you can call the restaurant at 313-842-2100 or get directions by clicking HERE
April 5th, 2009 at 8:57 am
“Today the family has three restaurants — the original Roman Village Cucina Italiana plus Antonio’s Cucina Italianas in Dearborn Heights and Farmington Hills.”
So who owns the Canton restaurant?
April 5th, 2009 at 10:40 am
The food at Roman Village is nothing short of amazing, and the atmosphere is great. When the garlic bread is hot out of the oven, there’s none better. The prices are always reasonable, but their anniversary special is incredible. It’s not on all entrees, only pasta dishes and pizza (buy one, get one for 45 cents). Pasta dinners include salad or soup (go with the chicken pastina) and all the garlic bread you want. Fabulous dinner for two for well under $20. I don’t do “commercials” for many places, but Roman Village has long been a family favorite, since the day the late Councilman Van Mericas introduced me to the place during a lunch meeting many years ago when I worked at the Press & Guide.
April 5th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
Lenny, meant to say four restaurants total, including Canton. Thanks for catching that for us.
April 5th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
Absolutely the best Italian food around. And now, such a great deal! Try the suponi ice cream if you have room!
April 5th, 2009 at 7:57 pm
I ate there last night, always the best bread. Man was that lasagna good!!
April 5th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
One of thier fist delivery boys was Fred Bello who started Bello’s in Inkster, I think his sons run it now. Frank Ciccarelli was one for along time too. Roman Village is by far one of the best italian resturants in the detroit area. been a fan for 40 of the 45 years. Congratulations.
April 6th, 2009 at 8:22 am
OOPS, meant to say “spumoni” ice cream!
April 6th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
Love Antonio’s. The Bambino Pizza Calzone with a salad and hot bread… One of my favorites!
April 6th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
A proud family, who treats you like you are in their own home.